Tools to build good habits

Jax created the topic: Tools to build good habits

Many of us are building new habits this year. We've tried different methods, so I'd like to start compiling those tools. Please share techniques and references that are personally helpful to you, so we know they worked for at least you.

The method that worked best for me is using an app called Lift. In it I enter whatever habits I'm trying to add. This works because it's on my phone home screen. I check it often throughout the day so I'm reminded of my goals every time I see the app, even if I don't open it. I can easily check off what I've done and look at a calendar summary. There are other people who can give you props or comment on your checking. Jedi Phoenix is also a member, so we can be accountable to each other even when we don't chat online.

This also works because I chose a mix of goals. I have my big goals, like walking or running, that I know aren't easy to do now, but I'm reminded that they are a goal. I have many little goals as well. Some apply to work, such as reminding me to get up and stretch. Or drink a glass of tea. For instance, without this app I would have forgotten to drink tea after just the 2nd or third day. But I open my app, and even if it's an hour before I leave, I go make a cup of tea. It helps me build the habit. Other habits are to remind me to stretch at home. Or meditate. Cook. Clean. Things that are important to getting balance in my life. Heck, I had to add 'check IJRS' this week because I was so distracted! But it helps!

Dineara replied the topic: Tools to build good habits

Examine the habit you're wishing to build. Why do you want to make a certain thing a habit? How does it benefit you? What can you do to set yourself up for success? Reminders are excellent, utilize post-its or set reminders on your cell phone, or even ask your friend to check up on you to see if you've done what you are supposed to. When the idea is to change one's life to better, it's always best to start small. You might have a ton of habits that could use changing or that you could introduce to your life, but if you try to change them all at once you're prone to failure. Set yourself up to success instead. Choose the one(s) that are most important and start with it/them. Give yourself time, you are not going to change overnight. Track your progress and how your thoughts and feelings change as your habits change.

If you're trying to break a habit which is a really persistent one, create steps to help you make progress. Stop smoking - switch to nicotine gum - switch to regular gum for example. Use Access tools if you know some - like clearing statements - and help yourself out with affirmations. Program yourself to succeed! Also, practice mindfulness. As you're more in tune with the present it's harder to let bad habits slip by your attention. Also, some habits can have complex reasons behind them, like overeating because of the need for comfort. I suggest you try meditating with your habits to see if there are underlying issues that could be dealt with in order to help you break the habit with ease. Don't beat yourself up if you 'fail', just keep trying.

Affirmations and clearing statements can of course be used for building good habits. "It's easy for me to _________." or "Whatever is preventing me from successfully doing ________, I destroy and uncreate it times a godzillion. Right, wrong, good, bad, POD, POC, all 9, shorts, boys and beyonds."

David (Phoenix) replied the topic: Tools to build good habits

Yes, I'm definitely a fan of the Lift App. What's great is that its also a good way to work on my perfectionism!!! I have so many habits I want to add that I try to check them all off each day...to get that running streak. But the point is NOT to build a streak, but to build a habit. So even if Imiss a day or two, its not the end of the world. What matters is if the next day I pick right back up.

Today I meditated in the morning for the first time in like 3 days. But I realized that I did this "habitually" with out even using or checking the app!

So yes, building habits are hard, especially for a perfectionist. THe point is to have awareness and being gentle with yourself. There is no race, no competition. Just a desire to improve from where you've been.

Dineara had some great points as well. I especially like the clearing statement idea

"...who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. " ~ Theodore Roosevelt